Des Moines Water Works will continue fluoridation

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Des Moines Water Works has decided to continue adding fluoride to the water it delivers to about 500,000 people in central Iowa.

The utility announced Tuesday it wouldn’t stop the practice, which it began 54 years ago.

Although fluoridation is common throughout the country as a way to reduce tooth decay, some people strongly oppose the practice, prompting the Des Moines utility to seek public comments about the matter.

The utility says in a news release that it received about 650 comments about whether to continue fluoridation.

Water works Chief Executive Officer Bill Stowe says utility staff has concluded that current levels of fluoride are best for public health and abide by most scientific and medical opinion available.